Touch-screen remote control for multimedia equipment

ABSTRACT

A multimedia control system presents program schedule information to a user in a visually and intellectually-intuitive manner. The multimedia control system can be used to display programming information, control multimedia devices, control home automation devices, etc. In one embodiment, a control screen used to display programming information is configured as a touch screen to allow the user to select programming, control multimedia devices, or perform other functions by touching the screen. In one embodiment, the system uses a consistent, user-selectable, intuitive user interface. In one embodiment, programming information is dynamically updated to provide the user with current programming information, such as, for example, sports scores, commercial breaks, news stories, documentary contents, etc.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation application of U.S.application Ser. No. 10/983,419 titled “TOUCH-SCREEN REMOTE CONTROL FORMULTIMEDIA EQUIPMENT”, which was filed on Nov. 8, 2004, now U.S. Pat.No. 7,461,343, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to systems selection of television and/orradio programming.

2. Description of the Related Art

Multimedia devices such as VCRs, DVD players, MP3 players, cassetteplayers, CD players, SetTop Boxes (STBs) for cable and satellitetelevision, and the new class of Personal Video Recorders (PVRs) such asTIVO, are extremely popular with consumers. Almost every household inthe United States has at least one of these devices.

The most common user complaint is that these devices are difficult touse and understand. Menus used to guide users through options deliveredby the multimedia devices are also confusing and cryptic. The menus aresimplistic and text based. Cursor appearance and movement arerudimentary and the user is easily confused by the non-intuitive uses ofmenu choices.

Multimedia program schedule information provided by cable and satelliteproviders has been physically tied to an archaic display method. Serviceproviders are under the false belief that viewers are conditioned tointerpret and understand the television schedule presentation methodsthat originated from print media such as newspapers.

Television program schedule information has traditionally been displayedeither in a columnar or tabular form. The tabular method displaysprogram schedule information as a two dimensional table. The verticalaxis displays the television channel numbers and the horizontal axisdisplays the time periods. The names of the television programs for eachchannel are listed horizontally across the table. Each show is listedunder the time period during which it is shown.

The columnar method displays the channels and program names under a timeheading. TV Guide is an example of the columnar method. This works wellfor printed matter because the reader looks through the columns for thedesired time period and finds all of the channels and program namesstarting at that time.

A dominant television schedule format is the grid format. This format ispopular for displaying television schedule information on the TV screen.The television schedule information is displayed in much the same formas the tabular approach. A two-dimensional table format is laid out. Thevertical axis displays the channel numbers or IDs with the horizontalaxis displaying half hour time increments. Programs are blocked outwithin the table. A show is represented by a rectangular colored block.This block extends horizontally from the program start time to theprogram end time.

The viewer either scrolls through the channel list or it is rotatedautomatically. Information beyond the time period is not displayed andonly shifts to the right as time advances.

The problem with the grid format is that it is limited by the televisionresolution, screen size, and viewing distance. This limits theinformation displayed an hour or two, and the channel list to aroundseven channels. Additionally, some applications attempt to placeadvertising information within the grid format. This leads to a visualoverload of information to the viewer and a cluttered appearance.

STBs and PVRs use the television screen to display programminginformation. The user is forced to use a remote control or other deviceto manipulate a cursor on the screen to select programming. This is acumbersome and frustrating process and the user cannot watch a programor movie while scrolling through the programming list

SUMMARY

These and other problems are solved by a multimedia control system. Thecontrol system presents program schedule information to the user in avisually and intellectually-intuitive manner. The multimedia controlsystem can be used to display programming information, controlmultimedia devices, control home automation devices, etc. In oneembodiment, a control screen used to display programming information isconfigured as a touch screen to allow the user to select programming,control multimedia devices, or perform other functions by touching thescreen. In one embodiment, the system uses a consistent,user-selectable, intuitive user interface. In one embodiment,programming information is dynamically updated to provide the user withcurrent programming information, such as, for example, sports scores,commercial breaks, news stories, documentary contents, etc.

In one embodiment, a program guide screen provides a list of theprograms that are currently airing, were aired, or are scheduled. In oneembodiment, the program guide screen is separate from the televisionscreen, so that the user can watch a program while browsing the programguide schedules.

In one embodiment, the programming information is provided in a matrixformat such that the programming content of a relatively large number ofchannels can be displayed on a single control screen.

In one embodiment, the program guide information in a multi-column mode.A two column mode displays the available channels in a rotating endlesslist fashion in the left hand column and the programs for thehighlighted channel in the right hand column. The user scrolls or pagesup or down through the channel list. The interface is consistentthroughout all columns with respect to scrolling and paging. Whisperingarrows are also consistent in this interface, showing that moreinformation exists in the indicated direction. Information is also moredetailed as the highlight bar is moved to the right (successivedisclosure) as described above. The current time period is shown on thescreen.

As the user changes the time period, the program titles change accordingto the names of the program that were, are, or will be shown at thattime period.

In one embodiment, the multimedia control system includes a processor, atouch-screen display, a communications interface to receive programminginformation over at least one communications channel, and one or moreremote-control interfaces. The processor receives entertainmentprogramming information from the communications interface and displaysthe programming information on the touch-screen display as a programscreen. The processor controls one or more multimedia devices using theremote-control interfaces in response to user inputs from thetouch-screen display. The processor provides a dialog-type display inresponse to user selection of a program displayed on the program screen.The processor updates the program screen to indicate the current contentof one or more programs in the programming information.

In one embodiment, the remote-control interface includes an infraredinterface. In one embodiment, the remote-control interface includes aradio-frequency interface. In one embodiment, the communication channelincludes a computer network.

In one embodiment, the communication channel includes an Internetconnection. In one embodiment, the communication channel includes awireless networking channel. In one embodiment, the communicationinterface includes a satellite-radio receiver. In one embodiment, thecommunication interface includes a local area network interface. In oneembodiment, the communication interface includes a wireless local areanetwork interface.

In one embodiment, the program screen includes one or more graphicaluser interface buttons. In one embodiment, the graphical user interfacebuttons include a button to select a desired program. In one embodiment,the graphical user interface buttons include a button to select adevice-control screen. In one embodiment, the graphical user interfacebuttons includes a button to select a setup screen. In one embodiment,the graphical user interface buttons include a button to open adialog-type window corresponding to a selected program.

In one embodiment, the programming information includes informationrelated to a current score of a program showing a sporting event. In oneembodiment, the programming information includes information related toa current news topic a news program. In one embodiment, the programminginformation includes information related to a current news topic a newsprogram.

In one embodiment, the program screen includes at least one or moregraphical user interface buttons, each graphical user interface buttoncorresponding to a program, each graphical user interface buttonconfigured to display an icon corresponding to the program. In oneembodiment, the icon displays video content of the program. In oneembodiment, the icon corresponds to an episode of the program.

In one embodiment, the programming content includes cable televisionprogramming. In one embodiment, the programming content includessatellite television programming. In one embodiment, the programmingcontent includes satellite radio programming. In one embodiment, theprogramming content includes broadcast radio programming. In oneembodiment, the programming content includes DVD programming. In oneembodiment, the programming content includes audio CD programming. Inone embodiment, the programming content includes previously-recordedprogramming. In one embodiment, the programming content includespreviously-recorded programming stored in a PVR.

In one embodiment, one or more multimedia devices are controlled by asystem that receives entertainment programming information over at leastone communications channel and supplemental programming information overat least one communications channel. The programming information isdisplayed on a display screen as a program screen and updated accordingto the supplemental programming information to indicate a currentcontent of one or more entertainment programs while the programs are inprogress. A dialog-type window can be opened for a first entertainmentprogram in response to a first user-input command. A remote-controlcommand is sent to one or more multimedia devices to select a secondentertainment program in response to a second user-input command.

In one embodiment, the remote-control command includes an infraredsignal. In one embodiment, the remote-control command includes aradio-frequency signal.

In one embodiment, entertainment programming data is received from acomputer network. In one embodiment, entertainment programming data isreceived from an Internet connection. In one embodiment, entertainmentprogramming data is received from a wireless communication channel. Inone embodiment, entertainment programming data is received from awireless computer network. In one embodiment, entertainment programmingdata is received from a satellite-radio system. In one embodiment,entertainment programming data is received from a local-area network. Inone embodiment, entertainment programming data received from a cabletelevision network.

In one embodiment, the user can select a program screen format. In oneembodiment, the program screen format includes a matrix of programbuttons corresponding to programs that are currently available. In oneembodiment, the program screen format includes a matrix wherein a firstaxis corresponds to time and a second axis corresponds to channel. Inone embodiment, the program screen format includes a matrix wherein afirst axis corresponds to time and a second axis corresponds to genre.

In one embodiment, the supplemental programming information includesinformation related to a current score of a program showing a sportingevent. In one embodiment, the supplemental programming informationincludes information related to a current news topic a news program. Inone embodiment, the supplemental programming information includesinformation related to a current topic of a science-related program.

In one embodiment, the human-interface device includes a touch-screen.In one embodiment, the human-interface device includes a computer mouse.In one embodiment, the human-interface device includes a trackball. Inone embodiment, the human-interface device includes a speech-recognitionsystem.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a multimedia control system used in connection with amultimedia entertainment system.

FIG. 1B shows a multimedia control system used in connection with amultimedia entertainment system wherein a repeater relays communicationbetween the multimedia control system and the devices in the multimediaentertainment system.

FIG. 1C shows one embodiment of the multimedia control system.

FIG. 1D shows the multimedia control system from FIG. 1B with a dockingstation.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the multimedia control system.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the multimediacontrol system wherein the multimedia control system obtains programminginformation from a multimedia devices such as a settop box, personalvideo recorder, etc.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the multimediacontrol system wherein the multimedia control system obtains programminginformation from a multimedia devices such as a settop box, personalvideo recorder, etc. and supplemental information from an informationserver.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the multimediacontrol system wherein the multimedia control system obtains programminginformation and supplemental information from an information server.

FIG. 6 shows a display screen containing listing programminginformation, wherein programming is shown for a relatively large numberof channels.

FIG. 7 shows a display screen containing listing programminginformation, wherein programming is shown for a number of channels andtime periods.

FIG. 8 shows a display screen for controlling one or more multimediadevices.

FIG. 9 shows a display screen map for controlling one or more multimediadevices.

FIG. 10 shows one embodiment of a repeater.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A shows a multimedia control system 101 used in connection with amultimedia entertainment system 102. The entertainment system 102typically includes a television 110, and one or more multimedia devices,such as, for example, a settop box (STB) 106, a personal video recorder(PVR) 105, a DVD player 104, an AV receiver 103, etc. A user uses thecontrol system 101 to perform remote control-type functions (e.g.,control volume, control the channel, select the input device,fast-forward, reverse, slow motion, etc. In one embodiment, the controlsystem 101 provides a touch-screen display that provides programminginformation and programmable touch-screen buttons to allow the user tocontrol the entertainment system. In one embodiment, the control system101 provides the functions of a universal remote control and thefunctions typically provided by on-screen programming.

FIG. 1B shows the multimedia control system 101 used in connection witha repeater 160 to communicate with the multimedia entertainment system102. The repeater receives commands from the multimedia control system101 and forwards the commands to the devices of the entertainment system102. In one embodiment, the multimedia control system 101 communicateswith the repeater 160 using wireless radio-frequency communication andthe repeater 160 communicates with multimedia entertainment system 102using infrared and/or wireless radio-frequency communication. Usingwireless radio-frequency communication between the multimedia controlsystem 101 and the repeater 160 means the user does not have to “point”the multimedia control system 101 at the multimedia entertainment system102, as is common with infrared devices. The repeater 160 can bepositioned such that the infrared transmitter/receiver in the repeater160 is pointed towards the multimedia entertainment system 102 and theuser is then free to move about the room our house with the multimediacontrol system 101.

In one embodiment, the repeater is a one-way repeater that forwardscommands from the control system 101 to one or more of the multimediadevices 102. In one embodiment, the repeater is a two-way repeater thatforwards commands from the control system 101 to one or more of themultimedia devices 102 and that that forwards data or commands from theone or more of the multimedia devices 102 to the control system 101.

FIG. 1C shows one embodiment of the multimedia control system 101. FIG.1D shows the multimedia control system from FIG. 1C with a dockingstation 120. In one embodiment, the control system 101 is powered by aninternal power source (e.g., a battery, fuel cell, etc.). In oneembodiment, the docking station 120 provides power to the control system101 to recharge the internal power source and to conserve power in theinternal power source.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the multimedia control system 101. Thesystem 101 includes a control module 204 and a touch-screen display 203.The touch-screen 203 includes a display 202 and a touch-screen 201. Thecontrol module 204 includes a video driver 222 provided to the displayscreen 202 and a touch-screen controller 221 provided to the touchscreen 201. The video driver 222 and the touch-screen controller 221 areprovided to a processor 205. An optional multimedia device interface206, a remote-control interface 207, and a network interface 208 arealso provided to the processor 205. A repeater interface 203 is providedthe processor 205. In one embodiment, an audio input device 210 and anaudio output device 211 are also provided to the processor 205. In oneembodiment, the network interface 208 is configured as a LAN interface.In one embodiment, the network interface 208 is configured as a wirelessLAN interface. In one embodiment, the remote control interface 207includes an InfraRed (IR) interface. In one embodiment, the remotecontrol interface 207 includes a Radio Frequency (RF) interface. In oneembodiment, the multimedia device interface 206 is configured as awireless interface.

The optional repeater interface 230 is configured to communicate withthe repeater 160. The device interface 206 can be wired or wireless. Forexample, many settop boxes use wireless RF for remote control, thus tocommunicate with such devices, the device interface 206 can beconfigured as a wireless RF interface. In one embodiment, the repeaterinterface 230 is combined with the device interface 206 or the networkinterface 208 into a single wireless interface.

In one embodiment, the multimedia control system 101 obtains programminginformation from a multimedia device such as the STB 106 or PVR 105 byusing the multimedia device interface 206.

In one embodiment, the multimedia control system 101 obtains programminginformation from a multimedia device such as a satellite radio receiver(such as, for example, Sirius radio, XM radio, and the like). Theprogramming information can be provided in one or more radio channels orcontrol channels. In such an embodiment, the multimedia device 206includes a modem to demodulate the information modulated onto the one ormore radio channels.

In one embodiment, the multimedia control system 101 obtains programminginformation from an Internet server by using the network interface 208.

The remote control interface 207 is configured to control one or more ofthe multimedia devices 102 using remote control codes (either directlyor through the repeater 160). The processor formats information for thedisplay and provides the information to the video driver 222. Thetouch-screen controller interfaces with the touch screen 201. When theuser touches the touch screen 201, information about where the usertouched the touch-screen is provided by the touch-screen controller 221to the processor 205. Other user input devices such as a mouse, akeyboard, a trackball, etc. can also be used. However, the touch screen201 is typically generally more convenient for the user. In oneembodiment, the audio input device 211 is used in connection with speechrecognition processing to provide for voice activated commands.

In one embodiment, the setup 101 can be configured by using a programrunning on a home computer. In one embodiment, the system 101 includesone or more input/output ports (e.g., USB ports, firewire ports, etc.)to allow the user to connect devices such as keyboards, computer mice,etc.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the multimediacontrol system wherein the multimedia control system 101 obtainsprogramming information from one or more multimedia devices 301 such asthe STB 106, the PVR 105, etc. The multimedia device 301 receivesprogramming information and video feeds from a cable network, satellitenetwork, etc. The multimedia device 301 provides the programminginformation to the multimedia control system 200. The multimedia controlsystem 200 display the programming information to the user and the usercan use the touch-screen 201 to select the desired program. Themultimedia control system 200 then sends commands to one or more of themultimedia devices 102 to select the desired programming.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the multimediacontrol system wherein the multimedia control system 101 obtainsprogramming information from a the multimedia device 301 as in FIG. 3,and supplemental information from an information server 402 via theInternet or other communication channel (e.g., satellite radio, etc.).The supplemental information can be used to augment and enrich theprogramming information provided through the multimedia device 301. Inone embodiment, the information server 402 provides icons, graphics,and/or text in connection with the programming information. In oneembodiment, the information server 402 provides relativelylow-resolution video for display on the control system 101 as videoicons and/or video preview screens.

The supplemental information can include up-to-date information,historical information, additional details, and the like not provided inconnection with the programming information. For example, for a programinvolving a sporting event, the supplemental information can include thecurrent score. For a program involving a movie, the supplementalinformation can include the year of the movie, reviews, historicalbackground, names of the actors, director, etc. For a news program ordocumentary, the supplemental information can include the subject of thecurrent news story.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the multimediacontrol system wherein the multimedia control system 101 obtainsprogramming information and supplemental information from theinformation server 402. In one embodiment, the control system 101receives programming information from the information server 402 on abatch basis (e.g., a week's worth of programming, a month's worth ofprogramming, etc.) to be stored by the control system 101. If anInternet connection becomes temporarily unavailable, the multimediacontrol system 101 can still provide programming information to the userfrom the stored programming information.

During system setup of the multimedia control system 101, the userspecifies which television service the user has installed if any (e.g.,which satellite company or cable company provide service) and the typeof service the user has (e.g., basic cable, basic cable with premiumchannels, etc.). The multimedia control system 101 forwards suchinformation to the information server 402 so that the information server402 knows which programming to send to the multimedia control system101.

FIG. 6 shows a display page 600 on the touch-screen 203 containinglisting programming information, wherein programming is shown for arelatively large number of channels. A matrix 601 of buttons displaysprogramming choices. In the example shown in FIG. 6, a button 602corresponds to a football game, a button 603 corresponds to CNN, abutton 604 corresponds to a TV show, etc. The “buttons” are GraphicalUser Interface (GUI) buttons corresponding to areas on the touch-screen203. In one embodiment, each button corresponds to a differentprogramming channel (e.g. cable or satellite channel). In oneembodiment, one or more of the buttons can also correspond to recordedprograms on the PVR 105, content of the DVD in the DVD player 104, etc.A volume control button 633 allows the user to change the sound volumefrom the system 102. In addition to providing programming information,the system 101 provides the functions usually associated with a remotecontrol. A “DEVICES” button 625 allows the user to select adevice-control screen 800 shown in FIG. 8.

A button 626 and a button 627 allow the user to scroll the matrix 601horizontally. A button 628 and a button 629 allow the user to scroll thematrix 601 vertically. In FIG. 6, the buttons in the matrix correspondto different channels all for the same time period. The time period isselected by the user (e.g., the current time, one hour from now, etc.).This allows relatively many channels to be displayed on the screen. FIG.7 shows a display screen wherein the horizontal axis of the matrix 601corresponds to time and the vertical axis of the matrix 601 correspondsto different channels. The user can switch between the matrix formatsshown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The user can also select a mode wherein one axisof the matrix corresponds to channels and the other axis of the matrixcorresponds to programming genre. The user can also select a modewherein one axis of the matrix corresponds to time and the other axis ofthe matrix corresponds to programming genre. A button 621 allows theuser to indicate that at least one axis of the matrix should correspondto “time”. A button 622 allows the user to indicate that at least oneaxis of the matrix should correspond to “channels”. A button 623 allowsthe user to indicate that at least one axis of the matrix shouldcorrespond to programming genre. A button 624 allows the user toindicate that at least one axis of the matrix should correspond to theusers favorites. Thus, for example, by selecting one axis as time, andone axis as favorites, the user can produce a matrix 601 that shows whenthe user's favorite programs will be available.

The user can select-highlight a button by touching the touch-screen 203.The user can view the program corresponding to the selected button bypressing a “GOTO” button 631. In one embodiment, the user candouble-click a matrix button view the corresponding program. In oneembodiment, the user can “expand” a matrix button to show additionalinformation as shown in a window 610 in FIG. 6. The window 610 issimilar to a dialog box in Microsoft Windows. The window 610 isrelatively larger than a matrix button and thus able to show moreinformation In one embodiment, the window 610 includes additional text,such as, for example, the start time, end time, names of the actors,awards, reviews, historical information related to the program, etc. Inone embodiment, the window 610 includes a video area where the actualvideo from the program is displayed (either as full motion video, slowmotion video, stills, etc.) In one embodiment, the window 610 includes a“RECORD” button 634 to allow the user to indicate that the programshould be recorded on a VCR, PVR, etc. An “ICON” button 635 allows theuser to close the window 610.

In one embodiment, supplemental information from the information server402. Thus, in FIG. 6, the button 602 shows the current score, the button603 shows the subject of the news item, the button 604 lists the titleof the episode, etc.

A button 608 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 shows an optional format thatprovides four sub-buttons (shown as round circles for illustration) inthe comers of the button 608. The user can select some or all of thebuttons in the matrix 601 to use the format of the button 608. Each ofthe four sub-buttons provides a function, such as, for example, “GOTO”,“expand”, etc. In one embodiment, the user can specify the functions ofone or more of the sub-buttons. The sub-buttons of button 608 are showas circles merely for purposes of illustration. In one embodiment, thesub-buttons are not visually shown, but correspond generally tosub-areas of the button such as, for example, two halves (e.g., up-down,left-right) or four quadrants, or other sub-areas of the button 608.Touching one sub-area of the button 608 produces a first function (e.g.,expand), and touching a second sub-area of the button 608 produces asecond function.

In one embodiment, one or more of the buttons on the display screen 203are sensitive to single touches or double-touches (analogous to thecommon single and double mouse button clicks). A single touch produces afirst action, while a double touch produces a second action.

In one embodiment, one or more of the buttons on the display screen 203are sensitive to how long the button is touched. Thus, in oneembodiment, a relatively quick touch produces a first action, while arelatively longer touch produces a second action.

In one embodiment, one or more of the buttons on the display screen 203are sensitive to the pressure of the touch. Thus, in one embodiment, arelatively light touch produces a first action, while a relativelystronger touch (more pressure) produces a second action.

In one embodiment, combinations of sub-areas, single/double touches,length of touch and/or pressure of the touch, are used to providedifferent functions.

In one embodiment, the user can select the size of the buttons in thematrix 601. Selecting a relatively smaller button size allows morebuttons (and thus more programs or channels) to be displayed on thescreen at one time. Selecting a relatively larger button size reducesthe number of buttons that can be displayed, but allows the use of alarger font thus making the buttons easier to read. The user can selectthe size of the buttons in the matrix 601 and the font size used fortext in the buttons.

In one embodiment, the user can block selected programming channels sothat space on the screen is not used for buttons corresponding tochannels (e.g., shopping channels, pay-per-view channels, etc.) forwhich the user has no interest. Similarly, the user can block selectedprogramming genres so that space on the screen is not used for buttonscorresponding to genres (e.g., sports, sitcoms, etc.) for which the userhas no interest.

In one embodiment, one or more buttons in the matrix 601 can includespecial indications, such as highlighting (e.g., color-coded, bordered,etc.) negative-highlighting (e.g., dimmed, color-coded, etc.) etc. toconvey additional information to the user. In one embodiment, the usercan specify preferred genres, shows, etc. and a button in the matrix 601corresponding to such preference can be highlighted. Buttonscorresponding to channels that are currently showing commercials can benegatively-highlighted. In one embodiment, buttons corresponding topay-per-view channels are indicated. For example, in FIGS. 6 and 7, abutton 605 is shown highlighted to indicate that the correspondingchannel is currently showing a commercial. Information about whichchannels are showing commercials at any given time is provided by theinformation server 402.

In one embodiment, access to the information server 402 is provided on asubscription basis. In one embodiment, the user can choose a relativelylow-cost subscription that provides relatively static information suchas programming information. In one embodiment, the user can choose anupgraded subscription that includes time-sensitive supplementaryinformation, such as for example, which channels are currently showingcommercials, current sports scores (e.g., as shown on the button 602),current program content (e.g., as shown on the button 603), etc.

In one embodiment, the buttons in the matrix 601 include text. In oneembodiment, the buttons in the matrix 601 include an icon indicating theprogram genre. In one embodiment, the buttons in the matrix 601 includean icon indicating the program (e.g., a show logo, picture of theactors, etc.).

In one embodiment, one or more of the buttons in the matrix 601 includea video portion that shows the program as video within the button.

FIG. 8 shows a display screen 800 for controlling one or more multimediadevices. A button 821 selects the AV receiver 103, a button 822 selectsa VCR, a button 823 selects the STB 106, a button 824 selects the DVDplayer 104, a button 825 selects the PVR 105, a button 826 selects thetelevision 110, a button 827 selects first speakers, and a button 828selects second speakers. When setting up the system 101, the userselects multimedia devices from a list (or creates new multimedia deviceentries in the list) and the selected devices are shown on the screen800. Thus, for example, if the user has a multimedia system thatincludes only a TV, a STB, a DVD player and an AV receiver, the userwould select TV, STB, DVD, and AV receiver, from the setup list and thescreen 800 would then no include the button 825 or the button 822. Ifthe user adds a PVR to the multimedia system, the user goes to the setupscreen and adds the PVR to the list of devices and the button 825 isthen displayed on the screen 800.

As part of the system setup the user specifies which devices areavailable and the manufacturer and model number of each devices. Knowingthe manufacturer and model number allow the system 101 to select theproper remote-control codes to control the multimedia devices.

In one embodiment, the system 101 can also be used to control additionaldevices such as, for example, home automation devices, home alarmsystems, heating and cooling systems, etc. Thus, for example, in a homewith a remotely-programmable thermostat, the user can use the system 101to change the set temperature of the thermostat, turn on heating orcooling, etc.

In one embodiment, the system 101 includes Internet browser software andthe touch-screen 203 can be used for Internet browsing.

FIG. 9 shows a display screen map for controlling one or more multimediadevices.

In one embodiment, the programming data and/or supplemental dataprovided by the information server 403 is provided as a subscriptionservice.

Although described above in connection with multimedia devices, one ofordinary skill in the art will recognize that the control system 101 canalso be used on connection with audio programming, such as, for example,broadcast radio, satellite radio, Internet radio, etc.

In one embodiment, the system 101 is implemented as a computer programrunning on a personal computer, laptop computer, or tablet computer. Oneof ordinary skill in the art will recognize that if the system 101 isimplemented on a computer that does not have a touch screen, the usercan use a computer mouse, joystick, trackball, etc. to select the GUIelements on the display screen 202.

FIG. 10 shows one embodiment of the repeater 160. In the repeater 160,the device interface 206 and the remote control interface 207 areprovided to a processor 1001. A wireless control system interface 1002is also provided to the processor 1001. The wireless control systeminterface 1002 is configured to wirelessly communicate with the repeaterinterface 230. The device interface 206 can be wired or wireless. In oneembodiment, the device interface 206 and the control system interface1002 are combined into a single wireless interface. In one embodiment,the control interface 1002 is configured as a network interface (e.g., awireless LAN interface).

Although various embodiments have been described above, otherembodiments will be within the skill of one of ordinary skill in theart. Thus, the invention is limited only by the claims that follow.

1. A multimedia control system, comprising: a processor; a touch-screendisplay provided to said processor; a communications interface providedto said processor, said communications interface configured to receiveprogramming information over at least one communications channel; andone or more remote-control interfaces provided to said processor, saidprocessor configured to receive said programming information from saidcommunications interface and to display said programming information onsaid touch-screen display as a program screen, said processor configuredto control one or more multimedia devices using said one or moreremote-control interfaces in response to user inputs from saidtouch-screen display, said processor further configured to provide adialog-type display in response to user selection of a program displayedon said program screen, said processor configured to update said programscreen to indicate the current content of one or more programs in saidprogramming information.
 2. The multimedia control system of claim 1,wherein said remote-control interface comprises an infrared interface.3. The multimedia control system of claim 1, wherein said remote-controlinterface comprises a radio-frequency interface.
 4. The multimediacontrol system of claim 1, wherein said communication channel comprisesa computer network.
 5. The multimedia control system of claim 1, whereinsaid communication channel comprises an Internet connection.
 6. Themultimedia control system of claim 1, wherein said communication channelcomprises a wireless networking channel.
 7. The multimedia controlsystem of claim 1, wherein said communication interface comprises asatellite-radio receiver.
 8. The multimedia control system of claim 1,wherein said communication interface comprises a local area networkinterface.
 9. The multimedia control system of claim 1, wherein saidcommunication interface comprises a wireless local area networkinterface.
 10. The multimedia control system of claim 1, wherein saidprogram screen comprise one or more graphical user interface buttons.11. The multimedia control system of claim 10, wherein at least one ofsaid graphical user interface buttons comprises a button to select adesired program.
 12. The multimedia control system of claim 10 whereinat least one of said graphical user interface buttons comprises a buttonto select a device-control screen.
 13. The multimedia control system ofclaim 10 wherein at least one of said graphical user interface buttonscomprises a button to select a setup screen.
 14. The multimedia controlsystem of claim 10, wherein at least one of said graphical userinterface buttons comprises a button to open a dialog-type windowcorresponding to a selected program.
 15. The multimedia control systemof claim 1, wherein said programming information comprises informationrelated to a current score of a program showing a sporting event. 16.The multimedia control system of claim 1, wherein said programminginformation comprises information related to a current news topic of anews program.
 17. The multimedia control system of claim 1, wherein saidprogramming information comprises information related to a current newstopic of a news program.
 18. The multimedia control system of claim 1,wherein said program screen comprises at least one or more graphicaluser interface buttons, each graphical user interface buttoncorresponding to a program, each graphical user interface buttonconfigured to display an icon corresponding to said program.
 19. Themultimedia control system of claim 18, wherein said icon displays videocontent of said program.
 20. The multimedia control system of claim 1,wherein said icon corresponds to an episode of said program.
 21. Themultimedia control system of claim 1, wherein said programming contentcomprises cable television programming.
 22. The multimedia controlsystem of claim 1, wherein said programming content comprises satellitetelevision programming.
 23. The multimedia control system of claim 1,wherein said programming content comprises satellite radio programming.24. The multimedia control system of claim 1, wherein said programmingcontent comprises broadcast radio programming.
 25. The multimediacontrol system of claim 1, wherein said programming content comprisesDVD programming.
 26. The multimedia control system of claim 1, whereinsaid programming content comprises audio CD programming.
 27. Themultimedia control system of claim 1, wherein said programming contentcomprises previously-recorded programming.
 28. The multimedia controlsystem of claim 1, wherein said programming content comprisespreviously-recorded programming stored in a PVR.
 29. A method forcontrolling one or more multimedia devices, comprising: receivingentertainment programming information over at least one communicationschannel; receiving supplemental programming information over at leastone communications channel; displaying said programming information on adisplay screen as a program screen; updating said program screenaccording to said supplemental programming information to indicate acurrent content of one or more entertainment programs during a timeperiod of said one or more entertainment programs; opening a dialog-typewindow for a first entertainment program in response to a firstuser-input command; and sending a remote-control command to one or moremultimedia devices to select a second entertainment program in responseto a second user-input command.
 30. The method of claim 29, said sendinga remote-control command comprises sending an infrared signal.
 31. Themethod of claim 28, wherein said sending a remote-control commandcomprises sending a radio-frequency signal.
 32. The method of claim 28,receiving entertainment programming comprises receiving data from acomputer network.
 33. The method of claim 28, receiving entertainmentprogramming comprises receiving data from an Internet connection. 34.The method of claim 28, receiving entertainment programming comprisesreceiving data from a wireless communication channel.
 35. The method ofclaim 28, receiving entertainment programming comprises receiving datafrom a wireless computer network.
 36. The method of claim 28, receivingentertainment programming comprises receiving data from asatellite-radio system.
 37. The method of claim 28, receivingentertainment programming comprises receiving data from a local-areanetwork.
 38. The method of claim 28, receiving entertainment programmingcomprises receiving data from a cable television network.
 39. The methodof claim 28, wherein said program screen comprises one or more graphicaluser interface buttons.
 40. The method of claim 38, wherein at least oneof said graphical user interface buttons comprises a button to select adesired program.
 41. The method of claim 28, further comprisingselecting a device-control screen.
 42. The method of claim 28, furthercomprising selecting a setup screen.
 43. The method of claim 28, furthercomprising selecting a program display format.
 44. The method of claim28, further comprising selecting a program screen format.
 45. The methodof claim 44, wherein said program screen format comprises a matrix ofprogram buttons corresponding to programs that are currently available.46. The method of claim 44, wherein said program screen format comprisesa matrix wherein a first axis corresponds to time and a second axiscorresponds to channel.
 47. The method of claim 44, wherein said programscreen format comprises a matrix wherein a first axis corresponds totime and a second axis corresponds to genre.
 48. The method of claim 28,wherein said supplemental programming information comprises informationrelated to a current score of a program showing a sporting event. 49.The method of claim 28, wherein said supplemental programminginformation comprises information related to a current news topic of anews program.
 50. The method of claim 28, wherein said supplementalprogramming information comprises information related to a current topicof a science-related program.
 51. The method of claim 28, wherein saidprogram screen comprises at least one or more graphical user interfacebuttons, each graphical user interface button corresponding to aprogram, each graphical user interface button configured to display anicon corresponding to said program.
 52. The method of claim 51, whereinsaid icon displays video content of said program.
 53. The method ofclaim 51, wherein said icon corresponds to an episode of said program.54. The method of claim 28, wherein said entertainment programmingcomprises cable television programming.
 55. The method of claim 28,wherein said entertainment programming comprises satellite televisionprogramming.
 56. The method of claim 28, wherein said entertainmentprogramming comprises satellite radio programming.
 57. The method ofclaim 28, wherein said entertainment programming comprises broadcastradio programming.
 58. The method of claim 28, wherein saidentertainment programming comprises DVD programming.
 59. The method ofclaim 28, wherein said entertainment programming comprises audio CDprogramming.
 60. The method of claim 28, wherein said entertainmentprogramming comprises previously-recorded programming.
 61. The method ofclaim 28, wherein said entertainment programming comprisespreviously-recorded programming stored in a PVR.
 62. The method of claim28, wherein said human-interface device comprises a touch-screen. 63.The method of claim 28, wherein said human-interface device comprises acomputer mouse.
 64. The method of claim 28, wherein said human-interfacedevice comprises a trackball.
 65. The method of claim 28, wherein saidhuman-interface device comprises a speech-recognition system.